by Frapin
Frapin 1697 is a highly complex, boozy gourmand fragrance with a bold and immediate opening of rum, spices, dried fruits, and warm woods. It evolves into a layered, sweet-spiced composition centered around vanilla, amber, and tonka bean, with subtle floral notes and a dry, slightly musky woody base. The scent is intense, with a strong sillage that lingers over long periods—half to full day on most skin types. It is best appreciated in colder months, particularly night wear, and suits intimate or cozy settings. Many find it deeply rewarding and evocative of luxury, vintage rum, or a cobbled European home, while others describe it as overwhelming, unpleasantly sweet, or reminiscent of vomit or plastic. Its character is highly polarizing: a single moment of olfactory overload can trigger strong aversion, though some users report a shift to a warmer, softer drydown over several hours. The fragrance bears a resemblance to Vanille Absolument or Havane Vanille, but with more alcohol and spice upfront.